Mountain Sky teacher wins Mac & Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher

By KTAR.com | March 8, 2018 at 6:12 pmUPDATED: March 8, 2018 at 9:13 pm

PHOENIX — A Mountain Sky middle school teacher was named this month’s honoree of Mac & Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher, a program that rewards teachers from around the area for their hard work and dedication.

Diana Polanski, who teaches seventh and eighth grade orchestra and music at Mountain Sky near 7th Avenue and Bell Road, was selected for going above and beyond her reaches as a teacher.

For her hard work, she was awarded $1,000 as part of the KTAR News 92.3 FM program.

“Mrs. Polanski made a huge difference in so many people’s lives. She was the best, most encouraging orchestra teacher in the world and most supportive teacher outside of school,” former student Jamie Post, who nominated Polanski, said.

“She understood when people were going through hardships and did her best to help them. She taught private violin lessons for extremely cheap for kids like me who couldn’t afford much and did it every week. She would take our instruments and fix them completely free of charge.”

Along with Post, former student Kayla Murdock also nominated Polanski, saying she would teach five days a week and would continue to teach during her spare time, helping kids who were less fortunate keep their musical passion alive.

“She gave me new strings, burned CDs for me so that I could practice my music. At the time, my family could not afford to have my instrument fixed or for me to buy all the music. I know that she has not just done this for me, but she has gone above and beyond for many others as well,” Murdock said. “If it weren’t for her I would have never been able to experience the joys of playing the violin and cello.”

Editor’s note: To nominate a teacher having an impact on your or your children’s lives, text the word “teacher” to 411923.